Friday, August 17, 2012

Bagram E-9's promote joint partnership during 455 AEW tour

by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Bagram Airmen and Senior Enlisted leaders pose for a group photo in front of a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II during a 455 AEW orientation tour at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 21, 2012. The tour gave Bagram senior enlisted leaders insight into the contributions of Bagram Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Capt. Raymond Geoffroy)Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0087 from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG), currently combat-deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) as part of an A-10C ANG "Rainbow Team".

7/24/2012 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN -- Having an E-9 enter a workspace is normally a nerve-wracking experience for any young Airman. But tempers were cool and spirits were high as a joint team of more than a dozen Chief Master Sergeants and Sergeants Major made their ways through several 455th Air Expeditionary Wing units at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, July 7, 2012.

The visits were part of an orientation seminar for Bagram's senior enlisted leaders to learn about the diverse capabilities provided by Bagram Airmen in support of ground forces operating in Afghanistan.

Among the wing's guests were key members of the Combined Joint Task Force-1 staff led by Command Sergeant Major Charles Sasser Jr., CJTF-1 and Regional Command-East CSM.

"Most of the folks participating are representative of CJTF, from our J-1, which is our admin section, all the through to J-9, our civil affairs, and everything in between," said Sasser.

During the event, Sasser and the senior enlisted leaders visited many units on base. They visited the Craig Joint Theater Hospital to learn about warrior care provided by Airmen, the 104th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to learn about the A-10 Thunderbolt II's close air support capabilities, the 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron to learn about Air Force combat search and rescue, and finally the 455 Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron to learn about how Airmen move people, supplies and equipment to support the fight.

Sasser made it clear that every role filled by 455 AEW Airmen is important to the future of Afghanistan.

"Even the folks that are not operating outside the wire have a significant contribution to everything that happens," said Sasser. "Most of the things that people don't see behind the scenes are just as important as the guy out there fighting the bad guys," he said.

Sasser went on to say that no one Airman's contribution outweighs the rest.

"I was raised an infantryman, so from that perspective, the A-10s and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets are the most important. But, if was a loggie (logistics personnel) I would say it was the movement in and out is most important. Then there's the infrastructure and base security. If something were to happen here, it would have an effect on the entire regional command. I think at my level it's all equally important... there's no one most important thing," said Sasser.

According to Chief Master Sgt. Marcus Snoddy, 455 AEW command chief, the event was designed to orient senior enlisted leaders in CJTF-1 to the 455 AEW's mission and demonstrate how Bagram Airmen support Soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan daily.

"By highlighting the role our Airmen play in taking care of the warrior on the ground, the wing commander and I are letting them know how much we care about them and the skills they bring to the fight," he said.

Snoddy added that the event was also designed to further enhance the close relationship between the U.S. military services here at Bagram.

"CSM Sasser and I have a strong partnership and we want to make sure the senior enlisted leaders under our charge know it, and take the time to build similar relationships," said Snoddy.

"I think we've come a long way over the past decade in terms of knowing about our sister services and how we relate and support each other," he said.

Sasser and Snoddy plan to continue these events. They are already planning an Air Force senior enlisted leaders visit to CJTF-1 to gain deeper insight into the Army's roles and responsibilities as a component of the International Security Assistance Force.

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.